It was what appeared to be a reasonbly productive meeting, with 7 trade representatives present, made up of 2 from Newquay, 1 from the Looe/Liskeard area, 1 from Bodmin, 2 from Truro and 1 from Kerrier. The Vice-Chair was absent, but the Chairman was accompanied by 4 licensing officers.
The agenda covered:
- Taxi/PH vehicle, operator & driver policy
- The upcoming DfT Best Practice Guidance consultation
- Vehicle specifications – air quality
- Numerical limits 7 unmet demand survey fees (incorporating them into annual fees)
- Fare tariff annual increases
- Parking on ranks and general lack of parking enforcement
Vehicle Specs & Air Quality – licensing is going to hold off on this to await the best practice guidance results, however, it was emphasised by the trade, and taken onboard by the chairman, that vehicle prices have doubled, and with other rising costs this could have a catastrophic effect on our businesses if the wrong policy is put in place. Licensing did state that maybe the best way forward is to look just at a minimum EURO standard, which by 2025 would mean a minimum 10 year old vehicle (EURO6), so hopefully, a workable result can be achieved.
Annual increases – it was agreed that licensing would simply ask each zone if they would like an annual increase every January, and each zone could decide for itself, but at least it is accepted that it will happen and simplify the process greatly.
It was also asked about a discussion that took place at a similar meeting some time ago, when licensing was going to look into whether the trade could take advantage of the Councils own vehicle buying discount deals. Licensing are still going to look into this to see what can be done.